If individual learning, of critical must know information to fluency, in the shortest time possible, consistent with strategic organizational objectives is the new mandate, why are we not changing to embrace the new model? Here are some possible weak reasons against change…and some strong arguments for change.

…Spectacular! You are on the right path. Note that for affordable and scalable, differentiated instruction and differentiated reinforcement to occur (truly personalized learning), you need truly personalized learning technology. This will integrate research proven learning methodologies into your instruction as well as into your the learning software, empowering each participant with a consistent, personalized and customized learning plan, as well as individualized spacing, pacing and reinforcement over time (customized to each individual).

(2) There are so many ‘learning technology’ choices available. I don’t know where to start…

…There are lots and lots of ‘learning technology’ choices, but you will find very few of them offer truly personalized learning technology (TPLT). Ask these questions to narrow your focus to truly personalized learning technology: (a) Does your TPLT offer true differentiated learning and differentiated reinforcement? (b) Does your TPLT allow for the assessment of individual student learning gaps and then create a customized learning plan for each student specific to their individual learning gaps? (c) Does your TPLT allow you to monitor the learning progress of each individual participant? (d) Outline your TPLT individualized learning methodology. (e) Please send me the learning research theory & learning methodology that supports your TPLT learning platform. (f) Show me real examples of where your learning technology has advanced individual learning. (g) Can I see a demo of your TPLT where you demonstrate and explain your truely personalized approach?

Keep in mind that a one to many teaching methodology, (think lecture), individually delivered over cool technology, IS NOT personalized learning, nor is it truly personalized learning technology.

NOTE: On purpose, I have ceased updating the sequential numbering, here, due to it no longer providing real value for anyone. The number of individual resources is more than adequate to reflect a consistency of research and best practices, to measurably advance, sustained, student success, performance improvement outcome methodologies, for ALL students. IF your focus is only on the numbering and not on the content, you essentially have missed the forest from the trees.

Tool helps school technology leaders understand the costs associated with the computing environment. Versions of this free web-based tool have been used by over 2,000 public school districts, independent schools, and state and regional agencie

“Funding the Shift to Digital Learning: Three Strategies for Funding Sustainable High-Access Environments”

“Data Backpacks: Portable Records & Learner Profiles”

“Getting Ready for Online Assessments”

“The Shift from Cohorts to Competency”; An In-Depth Look at Competency-Based Education

The Paper

The second annual Digital Learning Report Card is out, grading significant policy decisions (on a state-by-state basis) which “are advancing student-centric reforms, reducing barriers to blended learning, and encouraging the use of technology to offer a more personalized college- and career-ready education.”

The Education Schools Project provides a critical assessment of the ways in which the nation’s 1,200 schools of education prepare—and should prepare—teachers, school administrators, and education researchers.

Decoding Learning Report; [ Nesta commissioned the London Knowledge Lab (LKL) and Learning Sciences Research Institute (LSRI), University of Nottingham, to analyse how technology has been used in the UK education systems and lessons from around the world]

His influential 2008 book Visible Learning: A synthesis of over 800 Meta-Analyses Relating to Achievement is believed to be the world’s largest evidence-based study into the factors which improve student learning. Involving more than 80 million students from around the world and bringing together 50,000 smaller studies, the study found positive teacher-student interaction is the most important factor in effective teaching.

vibeffect’s study in Decision Analytics defines and examines a new concept of thriving in college. Our nationwide survey data shows that a multidimensional concept of thriving is better suited for predicting student achievement in college.

…Your current ‘learning technology’, more than likely, is either a content management system/knowledge management system (place to store and access one to many word docs, videos, pdf files – not really learning technology) and/or is a traditional one to many teaching delivery system. Either way, neither is a truly personalized learning approach, using truly personalized learning technology.

(7) Individual change is difficult…

…Yes it certainly is, but we are changing all of the time, in other chosen circumstances, to better our strategic outcomes. Aren’t we supposed to be focused on the learner and organizational strategic outcomes?

(8) I have no positive or negative incentive to change…

…Really? Your only motivation to make things better is outside motivation? What happened to your internal desire to make things better, simply because you can? Isn’t our focus on the learner and advanced learning outcomes, consistent with strategic organizational objectives?

(9) I’m not an early adopter. I’ll wait until the new learning approach has been specifically proven to advance learning in my defined world, possibly with one of my colleagues first…

…You want proven benefits delivered to you this way? Learning is learning. Advanced individual learning effectiveness and efficiency, with critical must know information, is bettered individual learning outcomes in any environment. There is ample, available, market proof that individual learning outcomes are advanced with this new personalized learning approach. Why not see for yourself what you are missing, as well as what your learners are missing?

(10) I don’t know how to…

…This is a realistic statement for anything new. You first need to read and understand everything you can about personalized learning, personal learning environments and the learning theory research that validates/verifies their effectiveness. You will then become an knowledgeable advocate. Learning technology providers, learning consultants and your innovative colleagues, can help you transition from the old teaching model to the new learning model.

Have I missed any other reasons to not change to the new learning model, along with parallel supporting arguments for change?